Sightings of the invasive fish tilapia are increasing at the Gooseponds.Contributed

Environment

Invasive tilapia 'virtually impossible to eradicate'

4th Dec 2018 1:19 PM
premium_icon
Subscriber only

IRRESPONSIBLE fish owners have sparked something of an environmental catastrophe in the Mackay region.

The invasive tilapia are breeding at a rapid rate - the result of unwanted fish being dumped into waterways, according to Mackay Regional Council.

There's been a growing number of sightings of the fish at the Gooseponds recently.

Tilapia compete with native fish for food and habitat and are known for aggressive behaviour, leading to the decimation of popular fishing spots.

The council has undertaken projects to improve conditions at the Gooseponds for native fish, such as barramundi, including building a series of log fish hotels and installing oxygenation fountains in the most upstream pond of the Gooseponds to try and eliminate low oxygen-induced fish kills.

Councillor Karen May said the council participates in regular educational and fishing events at the Gooseponds to increase awareness.

"Tilapia are well-established in the Gooseponds catchment," she said.

"When tilapia become established in a system, they are virtually impossible to eradicate.

"We have already carried out predatory trials by releasing barramundi to hunt the pest fish species as well as employing electrofishing to help control numbers.

One of the world's most invasive fish species, tilapia populations can rapidly increase.

"Unfortunately, this has been largely ineffective as tilapia breed at a much faster rate than can be controlled."

Signage at the Gooseponds displays key information regarding tilapia and their impacts.